System and method for providing an early warning to a victim of domestic violence or stalking

ABSTRACT

An alert system has a first device configured to be secured to a first person, a second device associated with a second person, and a computing system. The computing system is configured to determine when the first device has breached a first geofence associated with the second device and, upon determining the first device has breached the first geofence, alert the first device, the second device, and a third device. The first device is configured to, upon receiving an alert indicating the first geofence has been breached, emit an alert signal on the first device. The second device is configured to, upon receiving an alert indicating the first geofence has been breached, emit an alert signal on the second device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. Serial No. 17/092,657 filedon Nov. 9, 2020, which is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. SerialNo. 16/883,096 filed on May 26, 2020, the entire contents of which areincorporated by reference herein for all proper purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to a system and method forproviding an early warning to a domestic violence or stalking victim.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There presently does exist various systems for providing warnings to avictim, for example, of domestic violence (DV), intimate personalviolence (IPV), or personal stalking. Refer, for example, to U.S. Pat.No. 8,451,131 to Ghazarian, U.S. Pat. No. 9,959,730 to Spikes, U.S. Pat.No. 5,226,944 to Carroll et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,396,227 to Carroll etal., and US 9,007,203 to Lee. There are a number of drawbacks toexisting systems such as the fact that generally only one style or typeof alert is initiated in response to the geofence breach.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide animproved early warning system and method to alert a victim and anoffender of the immediate proximity of the offender with respect to thevictim.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a micro lock onthe bracelet that is locked with a coded digital key.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide differentlevels of alerts depending on particular preferences of the system,including at least two levels of alerts.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anaudible alarm on the offender bracelet which may be high decibel toalert the surrounding parties of the offender breach.

It is still another object to provide a mechanical locking system forthe device.

It is still another object to provide at least two mechanical lockingfasteners to secure the device onto the wearer.

It is still another object to provide at least three differentmechanical locking fasteners to secure the device onto the wearer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To accomplish the foregoing and other objects, features and advantagesof the present invention there is provided a device configured to beworn by an offender for alerting a victim of a presence of an offender,the device having a locked position and an unlocked position, the deviceincluding a GPS receiver configured to receive positional data from aGPS satellite; a wireless network transceiver configured to transmit thepositional data to a cloud-based monitoring system, wherein the wirelessnetwork transceiver comprises a wireless cellular network transceiver ora WiFi transceiver, a band having a main body portion, a hinged lockinggate portion, and a hinged fastener portion, wherein the hinged lockinggate portion includes an appendage that is configured to engage with areceiver in the main body portion when the device is in the lockedposition, and wherein the hinged locking gate portion includes a firstopening on the appendage configured to receive a first fastener thatsecures the hinged locking gate portion to the main body portion,wherein the main body includes a second opening and the hinged fastenerportion includes a third opening, such that the second opening and thethird opening are both configured to receive a second fastener tothereby secure the hinged fastener portion to the main body when thedevice is in the locked position.

The device can further include a fourth opening on the main body thatreceives the first fastener to secure the hinged locking gate portion tothe main body. The second and third openings can be perpendicular to thefirst and fourth openings when the device is in the locked position. Thedevice can further include a third locking fastener configured to securethe main body portion to the hinged locking gate portion in a directionthat is perpendicular to the first fastener. The main body can define arecessed portion that is recessed along at least three edges and toengage the hinged fastener portion when the device is in the lockedposition. The first fastener can be a first screw having a first type ofscrew head configured to receive a first specialized tool and the secondfastener can be a second screw having a second type of screw headconfigured to receive a second specialized tool, different from thefirst specialized tool.

There can also be provided a device having a locked position and anunlocked position. The device can include a GPS receiver configured toreceive positional data from a GPS satellite;

a wireless network transceiver configured to transmit the positionaldata to a cloud-based monitoring system, wherein the wireless networktransceiver comprises a wireless cellular network transceiver or a WiFitransceiver or other wireless network transceiver, a band having a mainbody portion, a hinged locking gate portion, and a hinged fastenerportion, a first fastener that secures the hinged locking gate portionto the main body portion when the device is in the locked position, anda second fastener that secures the hinged fastener portion to the mainbody portion when the device is in the locked position.

The device can further include a third locking mechanism configured tosecure the main body portion to the hinged locking gate portion in adirection that is perpendicular to the first fastener. The third lockingmechanism can include a cylindrical base post and a flat top, whereinthe cylindrical base post is configured to engage a hollow shaft toengage and disengage the third locking mechanism from the hinged lockinggate portion. The first fastener can be perpendicular with respect tothe second fastener when the device is in the locked position. Thedevice can include a first hinge of the hinged locking gate portion isperpendicular to a second hinge of the hinged fastener portion. Thefirst fastener can be configured to receive a first specialized tool andwherein the second fastener can be configured to receive a secondspecialized tool, different from the first specialized tool.

There can also be provided a device having a locked position and anunlocked position. The device can include a GPS receiver configured toreceive positional data from a GPS satellite, a wireless networktransceiver configured to transmit the positional data to a cloud-basedmonitoring system, wherein the wireless network transceiver comprises awireless cellular network transceiver or a WiFi transceiver or otherwireless network transceiver, a band having a main body portion, ahinged locking gate portion, and a hinged fastener portion, wherein thehinged locking gate portion is hinged to the main body along a firstdirection, and wherein the hinged fastener portion is hinged to the mainbody along a second direction that is perpendicular to the firstdirection.

The hinged locking gate portion of the device can include an appendagethat is configured to engage with a receiver on the main body portionwhen the device is in the locked position. The device can furtherinclude a first opening on the appendage, a second opening in thereceiver, a first fastener configured to be received through the firstand second openings to secure the hinged locking gate portion to themain body portion when the device is in the locked position, a thirdopening on the hinged fastener portion, a fourth opening on the mainbody portion, and a second fastener configured to be received throughthe third and fourth openings to secure the hinged fastener portion tothe main body portion when the device is in the locked position. Thehinged fastener portion can overlap the first fastener and the firstfastener can be perpendicular to the second fastener when the device isin the locked position. The device is unlocked by first unlocking thefirst fastener, then opening the hinged fastener portion, then unlockingthe second fastener, and then opening the hinged locking gate portion.The device can further include a third locking fastener configured tosecure the hinged locking gate portion to the main body portion in adirection perpendicular to the first fastener that is configured tosecure the hinged locking gate portion to the main body portion. Thethird locking mechanism comprises a slide pin having a cylindrical basepost and a flat top, wherein the cylindrical base post is configured toengage a hollow shaft to engage and disengage the third lockingmechanism from the hinged locking gate portion. The device can furtherinclude an opening that accommodates the flat top of the third lockingmechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It should be understood that the drawings are provided for the purposeof illustration only and are not intended to define the limits of thedisclosure. In the drawings depicting the present invention, alldimensions are to scale. The foregoing and other objects and advantagesof the embodiments described herein will become apparent with referenceto the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for alerting a victim, anoffender, and other third parties of the proximity of an offender,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method implemented by the system, accordingto the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a bracelet, shown in a closed position with thehinge lock engaged, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bracelet of FIG. 3 shown in an openposition with the hinge lock unlocked, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an inner shell of the bracelet, with theouter protective cover removed, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective side view of the inner shell of FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 7 is aperspective view of the digital locking key used inconjunction with the bracelet, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of an internal component of the bracelet shown onthe printed circuit board, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an external battery and charging unitused in conjunction with the bracelet, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a bracelet, shown in a closed position,and including a mechanical locking system, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 11 is a partial view of the bracelet of FIG. 10 , showing a hingedfastener portion in an open position, with a first fastener removed fromthe mechanical locking system, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a partial view of the bracelet of FIG. 10 , showing thehinged fastener portion in the open position and showing the hingedlocking gate in an open position, with a second fastener removed fromthe mechanical locking system, according to the present disclosure,

FIG. 13 is a partial view of the bracelet of FIG. 10 , showing a hingedfastener portion in the open position, with a first fastener removed,and further including a third locking fastener, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view as taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13 ,and showing the inner components of the third locking fastener when inthe engaged position, according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view as taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13 ,and showing the inner components of the third locking fastener,illustrating the movement of the third locking fastener and showing thethird locking fastener in the disengaged position, according to thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a system and method for alerting avictim and an offender of the immediate proximity of the offender withrespect to the victim. The system includes a first bracelet configuredto be worn by a victim and a second bracelet configured to be worn by anoffender. Each bracelet can include a GPS receiver, a wireless networktransceiver (e.g., WiFi, cellular), a speaker, and a LED light source orother display element Each bracelet can be configured to be tamperproofby means of a tamper wire. The system and method provide several levelsof alerts that can include at least three levels of alerts. A firstlevel of alert can include a vibration alert on both the victim braceletand the offender bracelet. A second level of alert can include aflashing LED light on the victim bracelet and the offender bracelet. Atthe second level of alert, the authorities can also be contacted, aswell as other third parties. A third level of alert can include a highdecibel, audio alert on the offender. The system and method are shownand described in greater detail in the following description andaccompanying drawings. Although shown and described generally herein asa “bracelet” the systems, devices, and techniques disclosed herein maybe applied to an anklet, a headband, or any other device that can beconfigured to be worn or otherwise secured to an individual (whether anoffender or a victim).

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for alerting a victim, anoffender, and other third parties of the proximity of an offender,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the system, thevictim 110 and the offender 120 are each respectively provided with abracelet 112, 122. The bracelet 112, 122 may be tamper-proof for boththe victim 110 and the offender 120 in some embodiments. The braceletmay be removable by the victim 110 yet tamper-proof and not removable bythe offender 120. The victim 110 has a floating geofence, which caninclude at least three geofence perimeters 114, 116, and 118. The firstgeofence perimeter 114 can be used to initiate a first type of alert,the second geofence perimeter 116 can be used to initiate a second typeof alert, and the third geofence perimeter 118 can be used to initiate athird type of alert. As will be appreciated in light of the presentdisclosure, greater or fewer than three geofence perimeters can beimplemented. The first geofence perimeter 114 is breached when theoffender 120 comes within a first predetermined distance (DI) of thevictim 110. This first distance DI can, for example, be 50 feet or anyvalue in the range of 20-150 feet, depending upon the particularrequirements for a particular offender to keep a particular distanceaway from a particular victim. The second distance D2 is intended to bea distance shorter than D1, and can for example be 25 feet, or any valuein the range of 10-50 feet. The third distance D3 is intended to be theshortest distance, shorter than both D2 and D1, and for example can be10 feet, or any value in the range of 0-25 feet. As will be described ingreater detail herein, each geofence can provide a different type ofalert to provide multiple levels of security within the system.

The geofence parameters can be mandated by local court authorities toestablish safe zone distances for both the victim and the offender. Thebracelets are activated when attached to the wrist of each party. Theintention is to have both parties aware of any violation of courtordered boundaries established to protect a victim from the offender.

In the system, the bracelets 110, 112 can be configured to be WiFi,Cellular, and GPS enabled so that they can communicate with local WiFihotspots 130, 132; as well as with Cellular towers 134 (i.e., via SMSmessage or cellular phone call); and as well as with GPS satellite 140via GPS receiver within the bracelets 110, 112 (see FIG. 8 showing GPS,cellular, and WiFi antenna 830 within the bracelet 110, 112).

The bracelets 110, 112, are also each in communication with acloud-based monitoring system 150 that includes a computing system 152and virtual memory 154. As will be described in greater detail herein,the cloud-based monitoring system 150 is configured to initiate thevarious alerts at the appropriate times based on the various datareceived from the bracelets, and the data stored in memory and/or pulledfrom a database 160. The database 160 can be a physical database or avirtual database. The bracelets worn by both the victim and the offenderare linked together by satellite enabled data transmission residing on acloud-based system. This system and bracelets are monitored 24 hours aday by vetted, experienced, monitoring and tracking companies.Monitoring operators at the cloud-based monitoring system can alsocontact the offender and victim by phone in the event of safe zoneincursions. After a first alert notification the offender must vacatecourse issued safe zone area. The offender and victim are viewed andtracked for offender compliance. If the offender complies, then thealerts are canceled and reset. All violations of the geofence parametersare recorded for review should the courts deem it necessary.

The cloud-based monitoring system 150 can be further configured tocommunicate with third parties 170, such as police or other authorities,as well as friends and family. The cloud-based monitoring system 150 canintegrate location of friends and family so that any friends and/orfamily members that are closest to the victim 112 can be alerted first.In an example implementation, for the first geofence 114 violation, thefirst alert is initiated which can comprise a vibration on bothbracelets. This first alert can be provided with or without notice tothe third parties 170. Then if the second geofence 116 is breached thenthe third parties 170 can be notified, which can include police or otherauthorities. Friends and family members can also be notified if thesecond geofence 116 is breached. Finally, if the third geofence isbreached, then a high decibel sound can be initiated on the offenderbracelet 122, and flashing LED can be initiated on the offenderbracelet. It will be appreciated that these are only example alerts andthese can be adapted and modified as appropriate to provide at least twoor three (or more) different level of protection and security for the

By providing a GPS receiver on both the victim and the offender, theprecise location of both the victim and the offender can be transmittedto the cloud-based monitoring system, so that this information can berelayed to authorities if necessary. This also allows for third parties,or other individuals in close proximity to the victim to be alertedbased on the GPS location of the victim and/or the offender.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method 200 implemented by the system (forexample, the system shown in FIG. 1 ), according to the presentdisclosure. The method can be implemented, for example, by thecloud-based monitoring system 150 shown in FIG. 1 . At block 210, theoffender breaches into the primary safe zone, which for example can bethe first geofence perimeter 114 shown in FIG. 1 . This initiates afirst alert at block 212 and the violation is recorded. The first alertcan be a vibration initiated on both the victim bracelet and theoffender bracelet, or other initial alert. For example, the victim andthe offender could both be sent an SMS message that could be displayedon each parties cell phone app provided by the GPS, cell, and WiFimonitoring system, company.

At block 220, the method queries whether the offender has complied withleaving the first geofence within a first time period (e.g., a number ofseconds or minutes). If the offender leaves the first geofence inresponse to the first alert, then the method advances to block 222 andthe alerts canceled and reset. If the offender does not comply withinthe first time period, then a second alert is initiated at block 230. Atthis block 230, a third party or third parties can be contacted. Thethird parties, for example, can include police, other authorities,friends, or family members. At this juncture, local authorities canfollow their existing protocol for such incidents. At block 240, themethod queries whether the offender has complied with leaving the secondgeofence within a second time period (e.g., a number of seconds orminutes, which may be the same as, less than, or greater than, the firsttime period). If the offender leaves the second geofence in response tothe second alert, then the method advances to block 222 and the alertsare canceled and reset. If the offender does not comply within thesecond time period, then a third alert is initiated at block 250. Thethird alert can include a high decibel sound on the offender bracelet.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a bracelet 310, shown in a closed position withthe hinge lock engaged, according to the present disclosure. Thebracelet 310 can be the same as the bracelet 112 worn by the victim 110or the bracelet 122 worn by the offender 120. In some embodiments, thevictim 110 may have a simpler bracelet which may not include all of thefeatures of the offender bracelet, such as being able to be removed bythe

The bracelet 310 includes a hinged locking gate 312 and a folding doublelock 314. The folding double lock 314 has two parts, shown in greaterdetail in FIG. 4 (interlocking receiver 420 and interlocking appendage422). The bracelet 310 includes a locking key port 320 which can receivea digital coded key (see for example the coded key 700 shown in FIG. 7). The locking key port and digital coded key are used to lock andunlock the bracelet onto the victim or the offender via the foldingdouble lock 314 (including the receiver 420 and appendage 422 shown inFIG. 4 ). Retuning to FIG. 3 , the bracelet 310 also includes a chargingport 322 for recharging the battery on the bracelet 310 (see, e.g.,battery 630 in FIG. 6 ).

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bracelet 310 of FIG. 3 shown in anopen position with the hinge lock unlocked, according to the presentdisclosure. The LED light source 410 for the bracelet 310 is shown inFIG. 4 . The LED light source 410 can be used to provide an alert to theoffender and/or the victim, such as a flashing LED light. The attachmentscrew holes 412 are for attaching the outer piece to the inner shell(see inner shell 510 shown in FIG. 5 ). The folding double lock 314includes a locking intersection receiver 420 and a locking intersectionappendage 422. These are locked together and unlocked via a digitalcoded key, as will be appreciated in light of the present disclosure.The locking intersection receiver 420 and the locking intersectionappendage 422 can form a male/female connection or other appropriateform of connectivity.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an inner shell 510 of the bracelet 310,with the outer protective cover removed, according to the presentdisclosure. The details of the inner shell are shown in greater detail,and include the charging port 322, vibration alert motor 520, a LEDlight source 410, a micro lock motor 530 for locking the double lock 314(with receiver 420 and appendage 422), the locking receiver 420 and thelocking key port 320.

FIG. 6 is a perspective side view of the inner shell 510 of FIG. 5 . Anaudi ble alert sound chip 610 is provided on the inner shell 510 forproviding the sound alert on the bracelet. The inner shell 510 alsoincludes a GPS, Cellular, and WiFi chipset 620 for providingcommunication to the various GPS, Cellular, and WiFi networks. Arechargeable battery 630 is included in the inner shell so that thebracelet is provided with constant power. The rechargeable battery 630can be coupled with an external battery and charging unit (see., e,g.,unit 900 shown in FIG. 9 ) or may be recharged by USB or householdbattery pack charger, all shown in FIG. 9 .

The outer shell (310) can be manufactured with composite plastics,metals, rubber, silicone, and other materials to add strength. The focusof the outer shell is security and the materials are incorporated toprovide tamper and water proof reliability along with a comfortablyengineered, wearable product. The inner shell (510) is comprised ofsimilar materials to ensure a platform to house the numerous componentsfor highest marks in offering shock, vibration, tamper and waterresistance efficiencies. As will be appreciated herein, the first alertincludes a silent vibration notification, the second alert includes aflashing LED light that also acts as a low battery indicator, and thethird alert includes a high decibel audio alert.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the digital locking key 700 used inconjunction with the bracelet, according to the present disclosure. Thisdigital locking key 700 is configured to engage with the locking keyport 320 shown in FIGS. 3-4 .

FIG. 8 is a plan view of an internal component of the bracelet shown onthe printed circuit board, according to the present disclosure. Theinternal components of the bracelet are shown on a printed flex circuitboard 800. The internal components on the board 800 include a chargingport 810, the micro-lock motor 530, the LED light source 410, the soundchip 610, a vibration alert motor 520, a GPS/Cellular/WiFi chipset 620,a power wire 820 coupled to the rechargeable battery 630, a GPS cellularand WiFi antenna 830, and a tamper resistant alert wire 840. In someembodiments, both the victim and the offender bracelets include thetamper resistant alert wire 840 so that there cannot be tampering ofeither bracelet. In some embodiments, only the offender braceletincludes the tamper resistant wire 840.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an external battery and charging unitused in conjunction with the bracelet, according to the presentdisclosure. The external battery and charging unit 900 can be configuredto be worn by a user to extend the life of the bracelet for rechargingthe rechargeable battery on the go. The external battery and chargingunit 900 can be coupled to a USB to micro USB charging cable to allowsfor micro USB or USB charging of the rechargeable battery via thecharging port 810. A household 110V battery pack charger 920 can becoupled to the external battery and charging unit 900 to charge theexternal battery 900. The external battery pack extends the userswearable time and also provides a recharging capability for thebracelet.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a bracelet, shown in a closed position,and including a mechanical locking system, according to the presentdisclosure. In this example implementation, the mechanical lockingsystem shown in FIGS. 10-12 includes two fasteners, however it isexpressly contemplated that one of the fasteners could be omitted toprovide only a single fastener, or that an additional third fastenercould be provided, as shown in FIGS. 13-15 , to provide the desiredmechanical locking system. Further, as will be appreciated, eachfastener can require a separate, different tool in order to unfasten theparticular fastener, thus adding still a further level of security tothe bracelet.

With reference to FIG. 10 , the bracelet 1000 is in the form of a bandhaving a main body portion 1005, a hinged locking gate portion 1020 thatis hinged to the main body portion by a hinge 1030, and a hingedfastener portion 1010 that is likewise hinged to the main body portion(via hinge 1160, shown in FIG. 11 ). The hinge 1030 of the hingedlocking gate portion 1020 is hinged in a direction perpendicular to thehinge of the hinged fastener portion 1010. The hinged locking gate 1020can be locked to the main body portion 1005 by a fastener (for example,fastener 1130 shown in FIGS. 11-12 ) or can be secured to the main body1005 by the fastening of the hinged fastener portion 1010, so as toprovide two separate fasteners. In some instances, only a singlefastener, depending upon the particular application for the bracelet.The hinged fastener portion 1010 is secured to the main body by afastener 1040, which may be a screw or other appropriate fastener. Theinternal components of the bracelet 1000 can be the same orsubstantially similar to those disclosed in relation to FIGS. 1-9 hereinand may include fewer or additional components, as will be appreciatedin light of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a partial view of the bracelet of FIG. 10 , showing a hingedfastener portion 1010 in an open position, with a first fastener 1130having been removed from the mechanical locking system, according to thepresent disclosure. The locking system 1120 in this exampleimplementation includes a first fastener 1130 that secures the appendage1122 of the hinged locking gate portion 1020 to the main body portion1005. The locking system 1120 also includes a second fastener 1040 thatis received within the opening 1142, which may be threaded to receive athreaded fastener. The opening 1142 can be approximately 1.5 millimeters(mm) in diameter and the fastener 1040 can be approximately 9 mm inlength. The first fastener 1130 may have a customer pattern (two holesin this instance) that receives a special, customized tool to unlock thefastener 1130. Likewise, the second fastener 1040 may have a custompattern 1140 that receives a special-milled, customized tool to unlockthe fastener 1040. The hinged fastener portion 1010 includes an opening1144 for receiving the fastener 1040, which may include a beveled edge1145 for seating the head of the fastener 1040.

FIG. 11 also illustrates a first step in removal of the bracelet 1000from a wearer. The first step is to remove the fastener 1040 and thenopen the hinged fastener portion 1010, as shown, to thereby reveal thesecond fastener. The second step is the completely removal of the hingedlocking gate portion 1020 from the main body 1005 of the bracelet 1000is illustrated in FIG. 12 .

FIG. 12 is a partial view of the bracelet of FIG. 10 , showing thehinged fastener portion 1010 in the open position and showing the hingedlocking gate 1020 in an open position, with a second fastener 1130removed from the mechanical locking system, according to the presentdisclosure. In this second step, the second fastener 1130 has beenremoved, and the appendage 1122 is separated from the receiver 1220 onthe main body portion 1005. This allows the bracelet to be completelyremoved from the wearer. The appendage 1122 includes an opening 1230 forreceiving the fastener 1130 and also may include a beveled edge 1235 toaccommodate the shape of the head of the fastener 1130.

The hinged fastener portion 1010 may include a protrusion 1240 that isreceived within a small hole 1245 in the main body portion 1005. Themain body portion 1005 may further be recessed at 1250 to accommodatereceiving the hinged fastener portion 1010 and provide a smooth exteriorsurface for the bracelet 1000.

Note that the first fastener 1040 and the second fastener 1130 areperpendicular with respect to each other. This feature enhances rigidityof the bracelet and security of the system. Further, note that in thelocked position, the hinged fastener portion 101 will overlap theappendage of the hinged locking gate portion 1005 and will also overlapthe recessed portion of the main body portion 1005.

FIG. 13 is a partial view of the bracelet of FIG. 10 , showing a hingedfastener portion 1010 in the open position, with a first fastener 1040removed, and further including a third locking fastener 1300, accordingto the present disclosure, which as shown is in the form of a slidingpin. The locking fastener may be included in the bracelet 1000 toprovide a third level of locking for the mechanical locking system andthus additional security to the device.

As shown in FIG. 13 , the first fastener 1130 is perpendictilar to thesecond fastener 1040, and the first fastener 1130 is likewiseperpendicular to the third fastener 1300. The second and third fastenersare likewise perpendicular with respect to each other when the device isin the locked position.

The third locking fastener includes a cylindrical base post 1110 and aflat top 1320 that is received within an opening 1330 on the main bodyportion 1005. The cylindrical base post 1310 slides within a hollowshaft of the hinged locking gate portion 1020, as shown in greaterdetail in FIGS. 14-15 . It will be appreciated that although the basepost 1310 is shown as being cylindrical, any appropriate shape,including a small threaded screw, could be implemented to engage themain body portion 1005 and the hinged locking gate portion 1020 in themanner as shown.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view as taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13 ,and showing the inner components of third locking fastener when in theengaged position, according to the present disclosure. As shown, thecylindrical base post 1310 is received within a hollow shaft 1410 in thehinged locking gate portion 1020, The flat top 1320 of the third lockingfastener prevents further movement of the fastener. The post 1310 has alength of approximately 6 mm and the shaft 1410 has a correspondinglength of approximately 3 mm to accommodate the remainder of the post1310 when engaged with the shaft 1410. The opening 1330 accommodates theflat top 1320 and allows for movement of the flat top so as to unlockthe third locking fastener 1300, as shown in FIG. 15 .

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view as taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13 ,and showing the inner components of the third locking fastener,illustrating the movement of the third locking fastener and showing thethird locking fastener in the disengaged position, according to thepresent disclosure. The flat top 1320, and thus the correspondingcylindrical base post 1310, have been slid in the direction of arrow Aso that the post 1310 is no longer engaged with the hollow shaft 1410.This allows the bracelet to be completely unlocked. The third lockingfastener 1300 provides an additional level of security for the braceletto ensure it is not tampered with by a wearer, particularly when thewearer is the offender.

It will be appreciated that the bracelet can be configured differentlydepending upon the particular use. For example, for a victim-offenderscenario, the victim could be provided with a bracelet having only asingle fastener (for example, fastener 1040), whereas the offender couldbe provided with a single fastener, two fasteners, or three fasteners,depending upon the desired level of security. Further, although shownand described generally herein as a “bracelet” the systems, devices, andtechniques disclosed herein may be applied to an anklet, a headband, orany other device that can be configured to be worn or otherwise securedto an individual (whether an offender or a victim).

Having now described a limited number of embodiments of the presentinvention, it should now be apparent to those skilled in the art thatnumerous other embodiments and modifications thereof are contemplated asfalling within the scope of the present invention, as defined by theappended claims. Although the principles of the present invention havebeen described in association with a limited number of embodimentsdescribed herein it should be understood that the principles also applyto many other embodiments.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. An alert system, comprising: a first deviceconfigured to be secured to a first person, the first device having alocked position, an unlocked position, a first GPS receiver configuredto receive positional data from a GPS satellite, a first wirelessnetwork transceiver configured to transmit the positional data to acloud-based monitoring system, a band having a main body portion, ahinged locking gate portion, and a hinged fastener portion, a tamperresistant alert wire, a first locking fastener, a second lockingfastener, and a third locking fastener; a second device associated witha second person, the second device having a second GPS receiverconfigured to receive positional data from a GPS satellite, a wirelessnetwork transceiver, and a display element; and a computing system, thecomputing system configured to determine when the first device hasbreached a first geofence associated with the second device and, upondetermining the first device has breached the first geofence, alert thefirst device, the second device, and a third device; and further whereinthe first device is configured to, upon receiving an alert indicatingthe first geofence has been breached, emit an alert signal on the firstdevice; and the second device is configured to, upon receiving an alertindicating the first geofence has been breached, emit an alert signal onthe second device.
 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the hingedlocking gate portion of the first device includes an appendage that isconfigured to engage with a receiver in the main body portion when thedevice is in the locked position, and wherein the hinged locking gateportion includes a first opening on the appendage configured to receivethe first fastener to secure the hinged locking gate portion to the mainbody portion; wherein the main body includes a second opening and thehinged fastener portion includes a third opening, such that the secondopening and the third opening are both configured to receive the secondfastener to thereby secure the hinged fastener portion to the main bodywhen the device is in the locked position; and wherein the main bodyincludes a fourth opening on that receives the first fastener to securethe hinged locking gate portion to the main body.
 23. The system ofclaim 22, wherein the second and third openings are perpendicular to thefirst and fourth openings when the device is in the locked position. 24.The system of claim 21, wherein the third locking fastener is configuredto secure the main body portion to the hinged locking gate portion in adirection that is perpendicular to the first fastener.
 25. The device ofclaim 21, wherein the main body defines a recessed portion that isrecessed along at least three edges and to engage the hinged fastenerportion when the device is in the locked position.
 26. The system ofclaim 21, wherein the first fastener comprises a first screw having afirst type of screw head configured to receive a first specialized tooland wherein the second fastener comprises a second screw having a secondtype of screw head configured to receive a second specialized tool,different from the first specialized tool.
 27. The system of claim 21,wherein the third fastener comprises a cylindrical base post and a flattop, wherein the cylindrical base post is configured to engage a hollowshaft to engage and disengage the third fastener from the hinged lockinggate portion.
 28. The system of claim 21, wherein the alert signal onthe first device and the alert signal on the second device is at leastone of: a vibration, a sound, or a light.
 29. The system of claim 21,wherein the alert signal on the first device comprises a high decibelsound; and the alert signal on the second device is at least one of alight or a vibration.
 30. The system of claim 29, wherein the thirddevice is associated with an authority.
 31. The system of claim 21,wherein the third device is associated with a friend of the secondperson.
 32. The system of claim 21, wherein the computing system isconfigured to, upon determining the first device has breached the firstgeofence, alert a fourth device.
 33. The system of claim 21, wherein thecomputing system is configured to, after determining the first devicehas breached the first geofence, determine the first device has left thearea inside the geofence and, after determining the first device hasleft the first geofence, cancel at least one alert.
 34. The system ofclaim 21, wherein the computing system is configured to, afterdetermining the first device has breached the first geofence, determinethe first device has breached a second geofence interior of the firstgeofence; and, responsive to the determining the first device hasbreached the second geofence, at least one of the first device or thesecond device is configured to emit a different alert signal.
 35. Thesystem of claim 21, wherein the second device comprises a tamperresistant alert wire.